This week for Anime Sunday I’m covering another series from the Fall 2017 season of Anime. It’s my Houseki no Kuni Episode 01 Impressions!

Plot Synopsis: In a place inhabited by jewels that take the form of people, Phosphophyllite (Phos) is weak (with one of the lowest hardnesses) and considered useless by her peers. Phos asks her aloof but wise colleague Cinnabar for help after they receive an assignment to create a natural history encyclopedia, thus beginning their friendship and personal growth. Meanwhile, the “jewel people” have to keep defending themselves against the Lunarians who want to take advantage of their luxury value.

Plot: The plot is interesting, although sort of lacking in tension, which isn’t a bad thing necessarily. Frankly I enjoyed that aspect of it. That being said it’s not going to hold your attention like a Fate series will. The art probably doesn’t help with that…

Characters: But before we get into the art, let’s talk about the Characters. We get introduced to a good number of Jewel people in this episode, although I’m more than a bit confused as to what or who this Master Kongo is as he isn’t a gem that I know of.

Art: Here’s my main gripe with the series, and that’s it using the all too frequently used CG approach to Anime. I hate this art style. It looks out of place and awkward compared to something like Fate/Apocrypha or any ufotable production. It’s not terrible, but it’s too blatant a use of CG for me.

Music: The music is okay, although it’s not super memorable either.

Overall: Skippable depending on whether you can stomach the art style.

For those who like: Oddball Series, Good Plot, Interesting Cast of Characters.

Not for those who don’t like: Any of the above, or the too blatant use of CG.